Monday, June 27, 2005
Dan's The Man to Save CNN
Source: NY Newsday 'This is Dan Rather reporting ... for CNN."
There's something pleasing about the sound of that, not to mention a certain plausibility. Dan Rather reporting for CNN from Lebanon ... North Korea ...
Nigeria ... Iran. Ah yes, Iran. That would be extraordinary, wouldn't it?With your forbearance, dear reader, ponder the implications of that opening line just a little more. Imagine a Dan Rather CNN report appearing in, say, the 8 p.m. hour, and another one at 10. A Dan Rather hour-long special every week, perhaps. Or, Dan Rather, back from the wars, sitting in the studio alongside Paula Zahn or Aaron Brown.
So for today's column, we offer a gift to CNN in the form of an idea. This is a beautiful idea, if we say so ourselves, which embraces the added benefits of symbolism, practicality and fundamental human decency. It's called giving one of the great broadcasters in TV history a second chance. It's called giving CNN a fighting chance.
So where stands Dan on the move to CNN? He was in Texas last week, presumably on vacation, and couldn't be reached. But some friends and colleagues describe someone in a state of near, if not total, despair. Consider: Here is a man who spent half a century fighting his way to the top of his profession and then lost it all in a day. He was not merely ejected from "Evening News," but CBS dumped a pail of pig slop on his head for good measure.
So best for him to go where he's needed, and possibly even wanted. Sources say Rather and CNN's U.S. boss, Jon Klein, had a frosty relationship when the latter was at CBS, but necessity has a way of patching old wounds. Besides viewers, CNN's
immediate needs are gravitas, credibility and a single star who can instantly confer both. Rather nearly jumped to CNN in 1997, in the wake of the CBS's dunderheaded pairing with Connie Chung, but he pulled back at the last minute. The groundwork, so to speak, has been laid.Finally, ratings. Business-as-usual CNN has no hope of catching Fox News, but a Rather-energized CNN could make inroads. Rather may be the world's most recognized journalist. In France, where "Evening News" could once be seen, the French used to call the program "Ze Don Rawthere Show." And where Dan goes, crowds gather. He'll even draw FNC viewers who'll want to see what sort of liberal bias he brings to the day's news. (That'll make FNC boss Roger Ailes go nuts.)
Read the complete article HERE.
# posted by ATN @ 11:59 AM 
